Acceptional

Nope.
Not a typo.
(Well, actually it is, but its intent is purposeful.)

How about,
as the world comes together,
to begin another Olympics
we really attempt to become one human collective?!

Let's be exceptional
at being
acceptional!

Same skeletal structures.
Same blood and muscles and goo inside.
Different wrappers.
Accept the wrappers!

Ooh! A Smile!

So, there is really nothing quite like
causing another human being to smile.
A simple hello.
A smile.
A hug.
A little gift.
The tiny task of actually thinking about someone
other than yourself
can make the world a beautiful place.

You don't need to gift them with a spa day,
or a lavish vacation,
or a fancy new car.
Just simply making them realize
that someone is thinking about them
(which doesn't take much effort)
does more for their welfare
than most understand.

Give it a shot today ~
and realize how infectiously gratifying
a smile can be!

Celebrate!

Today,
although this day is shared with several close friends,
I celebrate my son!
Miles came into this world 25 years ago today.

His entry was not very easy.
His life has not been very easy.
Challenge after challenge after challenge.
With the support of his beautiful sister,
a fabulous smathering of incredible friends,
and an amazing support system,
he has managed to rise to each test;
conquer each mountain;
grow stronger with every test;
and become an extraordinary human being.

If you're having a boring sort of Tuesday,
I give you permission
to celebrate Miles!
Have a beverage. Eat cake. Frolic.
And know that if a young man
who has faced so much adversity
can continue to excel - in spite of it all -
you, too, can do anything!

Strength

I believe we each have,
buried deep within us,
a strength unrivaled by any superhero.

We can endure so much.
We can traverse so far.
We can survive such malevolence.
We can rebuild from devastation.
We can rise from the depths.
We can be as ok as we choose.

It helps to have a support system.
It helps to stand on faith.
It is vital
to believe in you!

Happy February

I have a secret.
I'm going to share.

There is so much love in my February
that I barely think of Valentine's Day.
Three of my six brothers have birthdays this month;
two of them are actually two years apart ON the 14th;
one of my faux brothers' birthdays is this month;
my son and my husband celebrate birthdays this month;
my grandmother - Popparootie - is caking it up up in heaven this month;
my faux mom's birthday is this month;
my best score in floor exercise came in February;
and a plethora of friends' birthdays and anniversaries are also this month.
Do I expect candy? No - I don't need it.
Do I expect flowers? No - I don't like when they die.  :-(

I am wrapped in love all month long.
Giving is always so much more fulfilling than receiving.
Hoping your February is just as special.

And hey . . . I Love You!

Life is Precious

Life is precious.
Enjoy every second.
Accept the hugs.
Listen to stories.
Share a belly laugh.
Sing the song.
Draw or write or dance
or take pictures or sculpt
or all of the above.
Take long walks.
Soak up the quiet.
Converse with others.
Smile.
Be generous.
Be honest.
Be sincere.
Life is precious.

Bob and Weave

Nope.
Didn't get new puppies.
This is the new exercise as of late.
Imperative for all to learn.

Life throws a jab . . .
you bob.
Life throws a right cross . . .
you weave.
Bob and Weave.
Bob and Weave.
And you keep on fighting!

Thank God for my Grandfather!